City of Derry Airport (LDY)
History, Facts and Overview

(Eglinton, County Derry, Northern Ireland)

In the early 1940s, the RAF established an air base in the Eglinton area and near to Londonderry. Known as HMS Gannet, this small airport was used by the military until the early 1950s, when the site was redeveloped, becoming the Londonderry Eglington Airport. A number of commercial flights commenced during the sixties, linking UK cities such as Glasgow. The airfield was then used solely by a local flying club during the following decade.

In 1978, the airport was purchased by the local council, with the intention of improving the overall infrastructure in this part of Northern Ireland. Commercial services to Glasgow began once more and by the mid-1990s, Londonderry Eglington was been transformed at the cost of over £10 million, being relaunched as the City of Derry Airport (LDY).


The City of Derry Airport comprises a single terminal building, offering banking, information and business facilities, as well as a retail centre, bar, restaurant and café. These include newspapers and magazines at the Airport Shop, designer jewellery at the Satin Silver store, snacks at Café Espresso within the main concourse, and hearty meals at the Airport Restaurant, which is located in the departures area.

The information desk handles queries relating to facilities and operations at the City of Derry Airport. It also provides assistance with lodging reservations and area enquiries. A Travelex bureau de change can be found next to the information desk and an ATM is located in the main concourse. For passengers with business needs, both a business lounge and airport conference room can be found on the first floor, complete with audio-visual equipment.